How to find the best car rental deals this Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a time when people reunite with their loved ones, celebrate, reconnect, and be grateful for all the good things. It is also one of the busiest travel periods, as people put the pedal to the metal for either a short getaway, a long vacation, or just a drive around the city with friends & family.

For many travelers, renting a car is one of the preferred choices to make the journey smoother, and why shouldn’t it be? A rental gives you the liberty to travel distances, spare your personal vehicle from wear & tear, and take detours whenever you want.

However, the increased car rental demand during holidays may mean limited vehicle availability and expensive pricing, which could put a dent in your budget. This is where our blog comes in!

Here you will find some insightful tips that will help you save big and drive away with the car you want.

Tips on renting a car on Thanksgiving without breaking the bank

Renting a car? Book early. Renting a car of your choice? Book even earlier!

Festivals and holidays are a time when people travel the most, which directly increases the demand for rentals. To get the car of your choice, start comparing deals actively weeks before travel plans.

SUVs and minivans are in high demand during the holiday season due to group outings, family travel, and ample space for keeping luggage. If you are aiming for any larger vehicle, then begin browsing for rentals at least 3-6 weeks early.

Compare before you pay

Tired of hopping from one supplier’s website to the other in search of a better car rental deal? With car rental comparison sites, you can browse through several car rental deals on a single platform and get the car of your choice at an affordable price. But before you start scrolling, keep these points in mind:

• Car category & model

  Economy, SUV, and minivans all have different rental rates, and each model in these categories also varies by price. Most rental companies guarantee a car by category, not by make & model.

  But in certain situations you may find deals with a “guaranteed model” badge which means that you will exact car model as shown on the website. Stay flexible, compare their rates, and focus on the category while choosing your rental during Thanksgiving.

  Read more: Why do car rental prices differ for the same car category?

• Fuel policy

  Fuel policy varies by suppliers, and it plays a big role in defining your rental cost. The common policies are:

  • Full-to-full policy is where you get a rental with a full tank and you have to return it back in full capacity. It is one of the preferred choices amongst car hirers.

  • In a same-to-same policy, you get the rental car with a specific amount of fuel, and the rental needs to be returned with that exact amount.

  • Full-to-empty policy means you will get the rental with a full tank, and you can return it empty. This is not a popular policy, and very few suppliers offer it.

  Each of these policies comes with different rules. If you don’t return the rental accordingly, you may be charged a fee.

  For a budget traveler, we would recommend the full-to-full. This policy is hassle-free, as you pay for the amount of fuel you actually use. There are no hidden costs & penalties if you return the rental with a full tank.

• Mileage policy

  There are two types of mileage: unlimited and limited. The unlimited one is better suited for long-distance trips, as you don’t have to worry about exceeding the mileage allowance and paying extra.

  Whereas, limited mileage is better for short & tight-planned journey within the city where you have an idea of how much distance you will cover. While planning to travel around Thanksgiving, have a rough estimate of the kilometers you might travel and pick a policy accordingly, as some limited mileage deals could also help you save big bucks.

• Travel restrictions

  Many travelers also look for one-way rental deals, but not all suppliers offer them. Check the rental policy carefully and clear all your doubts.

  One-way rentals are another option that travelers choose, which are a bit costlier than round trips, and some suppliers may not offer them. Check the rental policy carefully and clear all your doubts.

Review your add-ons and pay for what you need

Some car rental suppliers offer add-ons like child booster seats, GPS units, extra insurance coverage, protection plans, additional driver fees, etc. During Thanksgiving, the demand for popular add-ons increases, which would affect their pricing and availability. It’s best to sort out what you need and what you don’t beforehand, and review your booking terms to avoid any unexpected charges.

Choose pickup location smartly

Car rental demand is always high at popular locations, but during long weekends, especially Thanksgiving, it increases even more. Here we will talk about the most convenient ones for picking up a rental during Thanksgiving:

• Airport

  The airport is one of the top locations to pick up a rental car. You will find the most number of car rental companies offering their services here. But during Thanksgiving, it’s common to encounter long queues and slightly expensive deals.

  The solution: Arrive early to avoid waiting, and book your rental weeks before traveling to get the best offer.

• City center/downtown

  Another accessible location for picking up rental cars is city squares and downtown. If you are living within the city or nearby, this could be a better alternative for picking up as well as dropping off the rentals. However, the variety of the fleet is not as wide as you will find at the airport.

Check holiday operating hours

Although most suppliers offer after-hours service, during Thanksgiving there might be changes in the operating hours. You can check out deals from different suppliers and find out about the additional charges they are levying. Compare them and choose a more profitable option.

Also read: How to manage after-hours pickup & return of rental cars?

FAQs

• What to check before booking a car rental during Thanksgiving?

  Before booking your car rental this Thanksgiving, you need to mainly check the fuel policy, mileage, cancellation policy, and pickup & drop-off location.

• Can I cancel my car rental booking?

  Yes, you can cancel your rental booking, and the standard cancellation window is 48 hours. Make sure to review the rental terms before booking the car.

• Is it better to book early or go for last-minute deals while renting a car for this Thanksgiving?

  It’s best to book at least 2 - 4 weeks early to get the rental car you want at better pricing rather than relying on last-minute deals. Most of the cars, especially SUVs and minivans, may not be available for booking at the last minute, so it’s best not to take any chances.

• Do suppliers provide add-ons with their rental car?

  Yes, suppliers do provide add-ons like a child booster seat, GPS for navigation, snow chains, winter tires, etc., at an additional charge. You can pick and choose the add-ons, taking into consideration your travel needs.